 "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi looks on during a signing of agreements ceremony at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on January 15, 2018. Reuters File")
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused a critical security cabinet meeting on Thursday evening — convened to discuss the ratification of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal — to take a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a Times of Israel report, citing a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
“Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Netanyahu on the agreement reached for the release of all the hostages,” the statement read.
PM Modi also noted that Netanyahu “has always been a close friend and that their friendship will remain strong.”
In response, Netanyahu thanked the Indian leader for his support and affirmed that both countries would continue working in “close cooperation.”
Later, PM Modi also shared details of the conversation on social media.
“Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan,” PM Modi posted on X.
“We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world,” he added.
Earlier, PM Modi had also dialled President Donald Trump to congratulate him on the historic peace plan.
“Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks,” PM Modi posted on X.
Both the calls came just hours after the announcement of the landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas — part of a US-brokered plan — which includes the release of hostages and a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
With inputs from agencies